Volvo V50 Model Year 2011

24 June 2010

When the current generation of the Volvo V50 was introduced in 2004, Volvo Cars had its sights firmly set on younger buyers with high demands on sportiness and premium feel. A number of distinctive design cues when the model was refined in 2007 meant that the V50 moved a visual step closer to the Volvo V70.

EXTERIOR

Broad, low stance
The Volvo V50 has a compact body with rounded lines that exude modern design and speed. The short bonnet and pronounced cab-forward stance help create a spacious cabin with a generous interior. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Volvo V50 offers spacious flexibility. To free up extra load space, the car's rear section has been extended by 46 mm compared with the Volvo S40 sedan model. The black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark emphasises a sporty language. The new headlamps and the three sculpted lower air intakes are other details that give the colour-coordinated soft-nose V50 front an increased impression of solidity.

The low, horizontal impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. The broad shoulders and convex side panels radiate power and emphasise the car's compact dimensions. At the rear, it is the shape of the tail lamps and the bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance.

Exterior colours
The following exterior colours are available for the Volvo V50:

Flexible interior with iconic centre stack
The interior is inspired by Scandinavian product design with the emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and functionality. Together with the S40, the Volvo V50 was first of Volvo's models to feature the ultra-slim, free-floating centre console with illuminated storage compartment at the rear. The iconic centre console is available in several decor versions such as with Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curves all the way to the rear seat. The storage space between the seats has also been designed with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.

The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by a flexible armrest for the driver. With the rear seats folded down, the load compartment floor is entirely flat.

New contrasting leather combination
The upholstery range has been expanded over the years both at base level and for the more exclusive options, for instance with a new, finer-grained leather. The range now includes a new contrasting leather option with black seat sides, white backrest and orange stitching.

Audio and information
The Volvo V50 can be equipped with Bluetooth® technology that enables wireless communication. By connecting Volvo's Bluetooth device to the car's audio system and a Bluetooth-compatible cellular telephone, easy and practical hands-free phoning is made possible.

Cars with Volvo On Call now have the option of activating the cabin heater remotely via SMS text messaging. The High Performance and Premium Sound systems have a USB port, making it easy to attach an iPod® or other MP3 player or even a digital camera to the audio system.

CHASSIS

Well-balanced and controlled driving
The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for controlled, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and a high level of ride comfort. A long wheelbase and wide track together with a very rigid body all contribute to the predictable, controlled driving manners.

DSTC standard
Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC intervenes and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.

DRIVELINE

Transverse engines
The engines in the Volvo V50 are transversely installed in-line units. Together with large displacement, the five-cylinder configuration provides high torque across a broad rev band, and thus also swift acceleration and excellent driveability within a wide speed range. Four-cylinder engines are also available

T5 with 230 hp
The Volvo V50 T5 is the top model, featuring a turbocharger and five-speed automatic transmission. It produces 230 hp and 320 Nm of torque. There are also other petrol engine versions available, plus a 2.0-litre bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant on certain markets from late 2010.

New 2-litre diesel
The new five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. The new five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption.

The engine has been optimised for low fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimise consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This promotes extremely efficient combustion.

In the Volvo V50 the new 2-litre turbodiesel is available in two variants:

D4 with 177 hp and 400 Nm of torque

D3 with 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque. This engine will be introduced in late 2010

Both the new D3 and D4 meet the Euro 5 emission standards. All the variants of the new two-litre turbodiesel can be specified with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

D2 with 114g CO2 emissions
The V50 is in addition available with the 1.6-litre D2 diesel engine, which also complies with the Euro 5 standards. Fuel consumption is 4.3l/100 km (EU Combined), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque and now comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

DRIVe with 104g CO2 emissions
The DRIVe version of the 1.6-litre diesel has a Start/Stop function, lowering fuel consumption to 3.9 l/100km and CO2 emissions levels to 104g/km. The engine delivers 109 hp.

The Start/Stop function shuts off the engine when the car is standing still and the driver releases the clutch and puts the gear lever into neutral. As soon as the driver presses the clutch again the engine restarts. The Start/Stop function reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 4-5% (in mixed driving conditions). In urban traffic, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 8%.

SAFETY AND SUPPORT

IDIS promotes safer driving
Volvo Cars has developed various information systems designed to help the driver while on the move. One such system is IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), which for instance delays incoming phone calls in complex traffic situations that require the driver's undivided attention.

Systematic safety approach
Protective safety in the Volvo V50 is structured around a network consisting of exterior and interior safety systems that interact with one another to reduce the risk of occupant injury in a collision. The body of the Volvo V50 features immense torsional rigidity and the car has a sturdy chassis, a combination that results in consistent, predictable behaviour on the road.

Incoming collision forces are distributed so the passenger compartment remains as intact and undamaged as possible. The body is therefore built in the form of a metal cage made from different grades of steel, where all the components interact with one another to ensure controlled deformation.

The interior safety systems aim to keep the passengers securely in place and also to reduce the risk of serious injury. In order to provide the most effective protection possible, Volvo Cars has developed a number of in-house systems such as WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain). All are fitted as standard in the Volvo V50. What is more, all five seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt pre-tensioners and head restraints.